Adolfo

I am a graduate from the University of California, Riverside. I received my B.A. in Spanish Literature and a minor in Sociology. Having studied Spanish at the University level allowed me gain a better understanding of how this wonderful language works. Reading in Spanish is what helped me polish up my Spanish. At a very early age I began reading Marvel Comics in Spanish. As I grew older I shifted my reading from comics to more academic novels, one of those novels being Don Quixote de la Mancha (my favorite by the way). At the University of California, Riverside I was part of my school's department of foreign language tutor cohort. As a tutor for this department I had the opportunity to work with college students in Spanish levels 1-5. While my time as a tutor I worked with grammar, speaking, verb tenses, etc. Aside from this position I was also hired by my local high school to tutor math and science. While my time here I was able to witness how common core goals are now being implemented in this school district. This allowed me change my tutoring style to better help students so that tutoring session would be most effective for them. As I continue my teaching I hope to become a better leader and mentor for the advantage of the students. In the near future I would like to become a high school principal.

Before I jump into any lessons (you are probably tired of lessons after a long day of school), I would like to know what you know about the subject so far. What better way to demonstrate that to me than by giving me a brief lesson on what you know? Not only will you and I know what you know so far, but I can better plan a lesson that will target your weaknesses.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

The first session is like your first day of classes after summer break. The difference is that this more of a 1-on-1. No need to be nervous, I'm here to help you. In first day sessions we'll get to know one another while discussing what you are having trouble with. We can take some notes and review what you have learned thus far. If you have jokes I would like to hear them!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best way, I believe, to learn something is by teaching it to your dog, pet fish, hamster, sister, mother, and the list continues. The more repetitive something becomes while you say it in your own words, the more likely it is that you will independently learn something.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Students, including myself, hope they can be successful in everything they do. In order to become successful, students need to begin by establishing small attainable goals. As a tutor I would challenge the students-- challenge in the sense that I would like to see how they react to a problem similar to one they have already done. This allows me to track their progress and construct report cards.